Apple’s iPhone 6 has been the hottest topic in tech circles by some margin this year, and although we’ve long since suspected that it’ll arrive in September following an announcement earlier that month, a new report backed by reliable sources seems to further corroborate this notion.

As per a report over at 9to5Mac, Apple is on schedule to roll the next-gen handset out in less than eight weeks, and further to the info pertaining to the iPhone 6, also notes that iOS 8, the accompanying software, is “nearing completion.”

With four iOS 8 betas already having rolled out since the Worldwide Developers Conference back in early June, the report speculates that the fifth beta, which is apparently releasing on August 4th, is “likely [the] final beta.”

So the take-home here, is that everything appears to be going smoothly as far as the iPhone 6 and iOS 8 is concerned, with the GM of iOS 8 scheduled to be wrapped up and completed by late August or early September in time for the mass roll-out.

Although it is still believed that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will also spawn a larger, 5.5-inch variant, it’s very unlikely that the latter will launch alongside its smaller counterpart, even if they are announced at the same event.

Speaking of which, the 9to5Mac report also mentions discusses the potential date of the special event, but stops short of offering anything decisive. In fact, the article mentions that such a date has “not been finalized” as yet according to sources, and as such, we’ll have to continue playing the waiting game until we get wind of something a little more concrete.

As ever, we’re expecting the next-gen iPhone to include improvements to the camera as well as a customary processor bump, but the real talking point will surely be the larger display and radical redesign.

It’s looking a near certainty that the device will be built in the image of the iPod touch / iPad Air, and although there is a little lingering apprehension regarding this decision, the vast majority of analysts, commentators and onlookers seem convinced that the iPhone 6 will be landmark release.

In fact, it’s probable that the upcoming handset will be the best-received release to date, and as such, we’ll keep you posted on any important information from here on in.